When is the right time?

[ethan323]

I am currently going to school to get my degree in applied mathematics and would one day love to become an actuary. Problem is I do not have any exams done yet and I am unsure of when to take them. I was hoping you all can tell me after what math courses taking the 1st and 2nd exam would be best. I am currently in CC(ELAC) transfering to UCLA. These are the classes needed to transfer in order:

math 125: intermediate algebre
math 241: trigonometry with vectors
math 260: pre-calculus
math 261: calculus 1
math 262: calculus 2
math 263: calculus 3
math 270: linear algebra
math 275: ordinary differential equations

also Econ 1&2 and an accounting class.

so when would be the best time to take exam 1 and 2?

any help is appreciated

[JDav]

You need a calculus-based probability course before you have a fighting chance at P/1, and calc 3 is necessary unless you're good at studying on your own. For FM/2, some financial course plus a semester or two of calc is the bare minimum.

[ethan323]

these are classes I must take to transfer. So are you saying I can't take an exam until the 3 or 4 year of univeristy? do they use upper division math courses?

[JDav]

linear algebra and differential equations are not significant parts of any actuarial exam. But if you are considering calculus 3 to be upper level, then yes, it is necessary.

The fact of the matter is that an applied math program is not the best way to approach actuarial science -- speaking as someone who has designed such a program, it is more designed for engineering applications. A statistics major or a pure math major would be more appropriate.

[ethan323]

My mistake I meant math/applied science I will be following the actuarial plan.
The math classes I listed are all for the first 2 years before I transfer it is required.

[Trojan_Horse]

There isn't even a stat course on your list. You will not be ready for exam P after just these courses. But, think about taking exam FM first instead. You could take FM right after you finish your Calc I class or at least by the time you're done with Calc II.

Good luck.